NLA Walking Tour: South Asian History in the East End

Join us as we explore South Asian histories across Tower Hamlets, from Shadwell to Tower Hill, with a particular focus on British-Bengali history. From our meeting point at Shadwell Station, we will begin by visiting London’s last remaining Greater London Council-funded anti-racist mural, created by renowned visual artist Shanti Panchal.

Heading along Cable Street to Whitechapel, our next stop is the Jagonari Women’s Centre. Designed by Matrix Feminist Design Cooperative, its Islamic-inspired facade, which welcomed visitors to this women’s education centre, is just a stone’s throw from the East London Mosque.

Continuing along Whitechapel Road to Altab Ali Park, we will explore the park’s features of remembrance, including the scale replica monument to the Bengali Language Movement: the 'Shaheed Minar', as well as public realm elements designed by muf art/architecture.

Crossing to Brick Lane and a visit to a building which has charted the various migrations of peoples to the east end, from Huguenot to Jewish and Bengali: the Brick Lane Mosque. Our final stop will be the Tower Hill Memorial, commemorating merchant sailors who lost their lives in both world wars, including many sailors from the Indian subcontinent.

This tour includes discussion of violence, racism, and colonialism which may be distressing for some participants. Please reach out should you require further information regarding the content of the tour ahead of booking by emailing

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Shadwell Station, Cable Street, London, United Kingdom

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